The 22-time Major champion has once again had to battle injuries this year, with a shoulder problem particularly troubling, and there are big doubts over whether she will take her place here for the elite filed of eight that traditionally battles for the season-ending trophy, and the biggest payday in the women's game.

Obviously, Seles wants to see Williams compete in Singapore.

A Williams' battle with Angelique Kerber, the German tyro who knocked her off the world No. 1 perch, would have been box office here, but Seles insisted health will always be the priority

Angelique Kerber. PHOTO: AFP

"I do hope she plays in the championships," said Seles.

"But only Serena knows her own body and how she's doing mentally."

For the first time in a long time, the women's game features a new world No. 1 and Singaporeans will be excited over the prospect of watching Kerber in action.

Seles has been impressed with the 28-year-old.

She is also excited over the talent of 22-year-old Garbine Muguruza and Karolina Pliskova, 24.

Kerber reached three Grand Slam finals this year and won the Australian Open and US Open crowns. Spain's Muguruza beat Williams in the French Open final for her first Major title.

"It was fantastic for tennis this year, to have the breakthrough of both Kerber and Muguruza," said Seles.

"They are two new faces who are fantastic for the sport."

Kerber has been the talk-of -the-town after her breakthrough at the relatively late age of 28, but Seles believes it as a positive turn of events.

"I think it's much better because you're mentally more mature to handle the success and the pressures that come with (the rise)," she said.

"You know you've been on tour for a few years so you will know what changes will happen after you win a Grand Slam."

Seles laughed heartily when she added: "It's exciting to see a fellow left-hander achieve the number one ranking. It's good she's the next one, (otherwise) we'll have to wait many years."